CAMPAIGNING residents who fought to protect Bournemouth’s historic cricket ground have won an assurance that they will be listened to.

The trustees of the Cooper Dean Foundation have decided not to appeal against a decision to list the ground as an asset of community value and instead have said they will work with local residents.

The first meeting with Dean Park residents is due to take place today.

The Grade II-listed pavilion and grounds were put up for sale by the Cooper Dean estate in the summer.

Bournemouth University has leased the 6,000 capacity ground from the Cooper Dean Estate since 1995 but this arrangement will end next November.

Mike McKenna, of Cavendish Road, who is in the process of setting up the Friends of Dean Park, said: “We’re very hopeful that we can work with the Cooper Dean Foundation and we can find a satisfactory solution for the future of Dean Park cricket ground.”

Alastair Cowen, one of the trustees, said: “The charity decided not to object to the process which has been started with regard to the Localism Act.

“They’ve confirmed that to the council.

Central ward councillor Dave Smith said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Cooper Dean Foundation wants to talk and work with residents. It can only be to everyone’s advantage.

“The residents will be delighted if the ground stays as an open sports area.”